Rob Howley says Wales need to 'hit third or fourth gear' if they are to secure Six Nations success against France on Friday.

Warren Gatland's men haven’t lost a third round match in the Six Nations since 2011 and they are determined to maintain that record when they welcome Les Bleus to the Principality Stadium.

After a draw out in Ireland and a three-try win over Scotland, Wales are very much in the hunt for the championship title and attack coach Howley says now is the time to move to another level.

“Obviously we are renowned for getting better as the tournament goes on,” said the former Lions scrum-half.

“This week, we need to get into third and fourth gear, and that is the challenge for us as a coaching team and players.

“I don’t think we have lost a third game in the Six Nations for quite a number of years and that just proves to us that we certainly get better and we are hopeful of that improvement and step up again.

“The key is discipline, not giving them anything to hit early on and no entries into our 22 where they can show the strength of their pack,” he said.

“France are renowned for their dominance up front and the last three years in particular we’ve certainly gained more than parity in that area and been able to play and dictate the tempo of the game.

“The French seem to be playing with that flair which we know they can at the moment. I have huge respect for Guy Noves. Having played against Toulouse as a player, you can certainly see elements in their game where they are trying to be clinical and accurate in those wide channels.”

Wales are waiting on the fitness of Luke Charteris and Jonathan Davies as they consider their side to face France, with the team announcement having been put back to Wednesday.

Second row Charteris has a sore knee, while centre Davies has had a groin muscle issue, with both of them sitting out last weekend’s games for their respective French clubs.

Of the two, the signs look more hopeful over Davies, who trained today (Monday). If Charteris is ruled out, then Bradley Davies would be the favourite to come into the side, with the fit-again Jake Ball also in the mix.

“Luke is continuing his rehab with the medics at this moment in time and a decision will be made later on in the week,” said Howley

“Jon is an experienced Lions player and it will be great news if he comes through.”

Reserve outside-half Rhys Priestland is expected to be available having picked up a dead leg playing for Bath against Wasps at the weekend.

But squad centre Cory Allen faces a lay off having suffered an ankle injury in Cardiff Blues’ defeat to Leinster at the Arms Park on Saturday.

That Blues game saw wing contenders Tom James and Alex Cuthbert both have a run out, while another candidate, Hallam Amos, scored a try for the Dragons against Treviso.

“Having watched the Blues game, it was very difficult conditions and difficult in terms of the ball getting into the wide channels,” said Howley.

“Both Tom and Alex acquitted themselves very well.

“Regarding Hallam, obviously he has come back from a long-term injury. He’s very young, he hasn’t got the miles on the clock that other players have. It was important for him to play, and that has been communicated between us and Lyn Jones, who has been brilliant over the last couple of weeks in terms of that process.”

Another man pushing for a starting spot against France is flanker Dan Lydiate who lined up for the Ospreys against Edinburgh on Friday night.

“We know all about the strengths of Dan. It’s about knowing your players,” said Howley.

“The last time he played a full game was against the Dragons over the Christmas period, so it was important that he got some time on the rugby field. He acquitted himself fairly well, to be honest.”